Chicago area faithful hold third annual Sanctity of Life Prayer Service, Presentation

BURR RIDGE, IL [OCCA/MW Diocese Communications] — The Third Annual Pan-Orthodox Sanctity of Life Prayer Service and Presentation was attended by Orthodox clergy and faithful from the Chicago area. The event was held on Sunday, January 30, 2011, at Saints Peter and Paul Church here, and was organized by the Orthodox Christian Clergy Association of Greater Chicago [OCCA].

After the prayer service, the parish community hosted a fellowship for all those in attendance, which was highlighted by a presentation by Linda Couri, a former employee of Planned Parenthood with professional and personal experience with abortion issues, who offered an inside perspective on the Pro-Choice mindset. She eloquently spoke about this approach which more often than not has become the manner in which society is run. What are the values, goals and motivations behind those who are Pro-Choice, and what can we do to best address this complex and often hostile audience?

Ms. Couri, who serves as Associate Director of Lay Ministry Formation for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, shared her story and her own uncomfortable yet solid reconversion to the Christian Faith.

Among those participating in the event was Archimandrite Mattias, Bishop-elect of Chicago and the OCA Diocese of the Midwest.